Comparing rookies Matt Duffy of Giants, Kris Bryant of Cubs
This week’s Giants-Cubs series provided a close look at two of the leading candidates for National League Rookie of the Year. While the Cubs’ Kris Bryant has been a favorite since his debut in April, the Giants’ Matt Duffy has forced his way into the conversation since becoming a starter in May. Here’s how their statistics entering the weekend compare:
BRYANT | DUFFY | |
117 | Games | 114 |
427 | At-bats | 425 |
113 | Hits | 130 |
71 | Runs | 59 |
22 | Doubles | 23 |
5 | Triples | 5 |
20 | Home runs | 10 |
77 | RBIs | 60 |
12/15 | Steals/atts. | 7/7 |
64 | Walks | 21 |
152 | Strikeouts | 75 |
.265 | Batting average | .306 |
.367 | On-base avg. | .344 |
.480 | Slugging avg. | .454 |
3.8 | WAR | 4.5 |
Source: baseball-reference.com
Head-to-head
In the three-game Giants-Cubs series, Bryant went 4 for 12 with two RBIs and a run while displaying his versatility by playing third base, center field and right field. Duffy was 3 for 12 with two runs and an RBI. The third baseman also earned some tough-guy points when he shook off a sprained ankle in the first inning Wednesday – and a pick-off throw by the Cubs on the next play – to steal a base in the inning and play the rest of the series.
Different paths
Bryant, 23, was drafted second overall in 2013 and spent less than two full seasons in the Cubs’ minor-league system before making his major-league debut on April 17. Duffy, 24, was selected in the 18th round in 2012 by the Giants but jumped from Double A to the majors last Aug. 1. Bryant hit 31 home runs as a junior at the University of San Diego. Duffy did not hit a home run in three seasons at Long Beach State.
This story was originally published August 28, 2015 at 7:36 PM with the headline "Comparing rookies Matt Duffy of Giants, Kris Bryant of Cubs."